The measure was sponsored by state Sen. Edgar Malepeai (D-Pocatello), who was the only person who testified on behalf of the bill.

“This legislation does not create a new protected class, since all people have a sexual orientation and gender identity. It ensures all Idahoans are free to hold jobs and rent apartments regardless of whether they are straight or gay,” Malepeai said.

“We owe it to those who know and love their gay family members and friends to take this issue seriously and allow them to speak about the harm they see being done each day in Idaho without the voice of the state finally saying that discrimination is wrong,” he added.

The vote was 7-2 — all seven Republicans on the committee voted against it.